Modular Walk-in Bathtub Systems

ABSTRACT

A modular walk-in bathtub system may comprise a plurality of configurable components that connect together. The configurable components may enable: passage of the configurable components through various sized doorways; on-site configuration during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide a left-hand drain or right-hand drain orientation; on-site configuration during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide an in-swing door, an out-swing door or a two-in-one door; removal and reinstallation of the walk-in bathtub system in a different location; and/or stackable storage of the configurable components.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/544,925 filed Oct. 7, 2011 and entitled “Modular Walk-in Bathtub Systems,” which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to bathtubs, and in particular, to modular walk-in bathtub systems.

BACKGROUND

Walk-in bathtub systems provide users easy access, safety, convenience, and comfort as compared to conventional bathtub systems. A walk-in bathtub generally includes a door through which the user enters and exits as compared to stepping over the side to enter and exit a conventional bathtub. A walk-in bathtub also generally includes an elevated seating area as compared to sitting at approximately floor level at the bottom of a conventional bathtub. Such walk-in bathtub systems may provide some independence to injured, handicapped and/or elderly persons who have difficulty using conventional bathtubs without assistance.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a modular walk-in bathtub system having at least one panel with a door through which a user may enter or exit. The at least one door panel may be interchangeable to provide the modular walk-in bathtub system with an in-swing door, an out-swing door or a two-in-one door comprising both an in-swing door and an out-swing door.

A modular walk-in bathtub system according to embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of configurable components that may connect together. In various embodiments, the configurable components may enable: passage of the configurable components through various sized doorways; on-site configuration during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide a left-hand drain or right-hand drain orientation; on-site configuration during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide an in-swing door, an out-swing door or a two-in-one door; removal and reinstallation of the walk-in bathtub system in a different location; and/or stackable storage of the configurable components.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a modular walk-in bathtub system having a sled portion with a seat portion at one end and a drain portion at an opposite end. The modular walk-in bathtub system may also have at least one door panel that connects to the sled portion. The at least one door panel may comprise an in-swing door that may be sealingly connected to the door panel and/or the sled portion when in a closed position. The at least one door panel with an in-swing door may be interchangeable with at least one door panel having an out-swing door according to embodiments of the present disclosure. A modular walk-in bathtub system according to embodiments of the present disclosure also may include at least one end panel.

Additional embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a modular walk-in bathtub system having a sled portion and a two-in-one door panel wherein the user may selectively utilize either an in-swing door or an out-swing door. The in-swing door may be formed as part of the out-swing door. A modular walk-in bathtub system according to embodiments of the present disclosure also may include at least one end panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising a plurality of configurable components fully connected together according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the configurable components comprise a door panel with an out-swing door shown in a closed position;

FIG. 1 b depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG. 1 a, wherein the door panel is shown removed and the out-swing door is shown in an open position;

FIG. 2 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising a plurality of configurable components according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the configurable components comprise a door panel with an in-swing door shown in an open position, and wherein the door panel and a side panel are shown removed;

FIG. 3 depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG. 2, wherein an end panel and side panel are shown connected, the door panel is shown removed, and the in-swing door is shown in a closed position;

FIG. 4 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system having interchangeable side and door panels according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising a plurality of configurable components fully connected together according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the system has a left-hand drain and an in-swing door shown in a closed position;

FIG. 6 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising a plurality of configurable components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the door panel is shown removed, and the system has a right-hand drain and an out-swing door shown in an open position;

FIG. 7 depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG. 6, wherein the door panel is connected and the out-swing door is shown in a closed position;

FIG. 8 a depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising a plurality of configurable components fully connected together according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the configurable components comprise a door panel with a two-in-one door shown in a closed position;

FIG. 8 b depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG. 8 a, wherein the door panel is shown removed and the out-swing door portion of the two-in-one door is shown in an open position;

FIG. 8 c depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG. 8 a, wherein the door panel and side panel are shown removed, and the in-swing door portion of the two-in-one door is shown in an open position;

FIG. 9 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising an open doorway according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the system is shown behind closed shower doors; and

FIG. 10 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising an in-swing door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the system is shown behind closed shower doors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventional walk-in bathtub systems are generally formed as a unitary structure with a fastening mechanism to attach a door to the unitary structure prior or at the time of installation. Conventional walk-in bathtub systems are typically wider than a standard 24-inch doorway, so extensive labor and reconstruction may be required to install a conventional walk-in bathtub system in a given home or facility. In addition, conventional walk-in bathtub systems have either an in-swing door or an out-swing door, and either a right-hand drain orientation or a left-hand drain orientation. Therefore, if the door configuration or the drain orientation is incorrect, an installer cannot correct such errors on-site without bringing in another walk-in bathtub with the correct door configuration and/or drain orientation. Further, once a walk-in bathtub is installed, it may be difficult to remove the bathtub for transfer to a new location if the user later moves from one home to another. Even if the walk-in bathtub can be transferred, it may still not have the correct door configuration and/or drain orientation for the new location.

The present disclosure generally provides modular walk-in bathtub systems comprising a plurality of configurable components that may be connected together on-site to meet a user's preferences and/or the plumbing requirements of a particular location. Modular walk-in bathtub systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include, but are not necessarily limited to, door tubs, walk-in tubs, transfer tubs, and/or slide-in tubs. Modular walk-in bathtub systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure may enable: passage of the configurable components through various sized doorways; on-site configuration during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide a left-hand drain or right-hand drain orientation; on-site configuration during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide an in-swing door, an out-swing door or a two-in-one door; removal and/or reinstallation of the walk-in bathtub system in a different location; and/or stackable storage of the configurable components.

FIG. 1 a depicts modular walk-in bathtub 10 comprising a plurality of configurable components fully connected together according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the configurable components may comprise sled portion 103, door panel 102, side panel 106 and end panels 104, 115. Since bathtub 10 will be filled with water during operation, sealing connections may be formed between door panel 102 and sled portion 103, between side panel 106 and sled portion 103, and/or between door panel 102 and out-swing door 101 to retain water within bathtub 10. FIG. 1 b depicts bathtub 10 of FIG. 1 a with door panel 102 shown detached from sled portion 103.

In an embodiment, sled portion 103 comprises top panel 110, back support 111, seat area 107, leg support 112, floor area 108 with drain 109 (shown in phantom lines), vertical panel 114 and top panel 113. In an embodiment, sled portion 103 may be formed as a unitary component. In other embodiments, sled portion 103 may be formed as a plurality of interconnected components.

Door panel 102 may be positioned to connect through a seal or other fastening mechanism to the side of bathtub 10 where a user may enter and exit bathtub 10. Door panel 102 may include out-swing door 101 forming a portion of door panel 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Out-swing door 101 may be shaped so as to follow the profile of back support 111, seat area 107, leg support 112, floor area 108 as well as vertical panel 114 of sled portion 103. Out-swing door 101 may sealingly connect to sled portion 103 along the profile of sled portion 103. However, it should be appreciated that out-swing door 101 may be formed in another shape and may connect to sled portion 103 or to the door panel in another manner without departing from the present disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that out-swing door 101 may provide the sealing means and/or door panel 102 may be sealed. Out-swing door 101 is shown in a closed position in vertical alignment with the remainder of door panel 102 in FIG. 1 a and in an open position at an angle relative to door panel 102 in FIG. 1 b. When out-swing door 101 is in an open position as shown in FIG. 1 b, its shape may allow the upper portion to pass over other objects that may be present in a bathroom, such as a commode.

Bathtubs according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be formed such that the configurable components are detachable from one another. In FIG. 1 b, for example, door panel 102 is depicted to show how it may be detached from sled portion 103 to enable movement of sled portion 103 and door panel 102 as separate components, such as during installation. As such, sled portion 103 may be brought through a doorway in one piece, and the panels, such as door panel 102, side panel 106 and end panels 104, 115, may be connected to sled portion 103 as needed once all of the components forming bathtub 10 are in the bathroom. Further, as sled portion 103 may be separated from door panel 102, this may assist a manufacturer or reseller in organizing its inventory given that the various sled portions in stock may be of the same size and may be formed in a way that they may be stacked on top of one another until time of sale or installation, thereby taking up less space in a warehouse. In addition, as the various sled portions and door panels may be similar in size to one another and may be configurable on-site during installation, ordering of modular walk-in bathtub systems may be simplified.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of modular walk-in bathtub 20 formed of configurable components including door panel 202 with in-swing door 201. A user's degree of mobility may determine the type of door that may be included in walk-in bathtub 20. For example, out-swing door 101 (depicted in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b) may be more difficult for some users to reach to close it without assistance once inside bathtub 10, and in that instance, a user may need in-swing door 201. In-swing door 201 may also enable installation of walk-in bathtub 20 inside a bathroom with insufficient space for a user to swing a door in an outward direction without hitting another fixture in the bathroom, such as a commode or a sink.

In FIG. 2, in-swing door 201 is depicted in an open position at an angle relative to door panel 202. When the door panel 202 and side panel 205 are connected to sled portion 203, and in-swing door 201 is in a fully opened position, in-swing door 201 may be aligned with and/or may engage vertical panel 214 of sled portion 203 while the user is entering bathtub 20. In-swing door 201 may be opened such that a user may enter bathtub 20 without being obstructed by in-swing door 201. As such, the user may push in-swing door 201 open, enter bathtub 20 by stepping onto floor area 208, be seated on seat area 204 of sled portion 203, and close in-swing door 201 without being hit by in-swing door 201 when it is opened and closed.

In FIG. 2, bathtub 20 is depicted to show how door panel 202 and side panel 205 may be detached from sled portion 203 such that sled portion 203 and panels 202, 205 may be moved as separate components, such as during installation. FIG. 2 also depicts how panels 202, 205 may be reversed in orientation, for example, depending on the bathroom layout, the drain orientation, and/or the door position that may be needed.

FIG. 3 depicts walk-in bathtub 20 of FIG. 2 with in-swing door 201 shown in a closed position in vertical alignment with the remainder of door panel 202. As in FIG. 2, door panel 202 is shown detached from sled portion 203 to enable movement of sled portion 203 and door panel 202 as separate components, such as during installation.

FIG. 4 depicts modular walk-in bathtub 40 formed of configurable components including interchangeable panels 402, 405 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Arrows 420 a and 420 b depict how panels 402, 405 may be interchanged depending on the type of orientation that may be desired or needed for entry into and/or exit out of bathtub 40. Door panel 402 may be connected on the side of bathtub 40 used for entry and exit to provide in-swing door 401 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, side panel 405 may be connected on the side of bathtub 40 opposite door panel 402. In-swing door 401 also may be sealingly connected to sled portion 403. It should be appreciated that in-swing door 401 may provide sealing means and/or door panel 402 may be sealed.

It should be appreciated that the positioning of panels 402, 405 may be changed to retrofit the configuration of bathtub 40 at a time following installation, such as, for example, if the placement of bathtub 40 is changed. Panel positioning may be changed by disconnecting panels 402, 405 from sled portion 403, interchanging their positions, and then reconnecting in their new positions in alignment with sled portion 403. It also should be appreciated that when the panels are interchanged, there may be fastening mechanisms on the door panel such that the position of a door within the door panel may be reversed.

FIG. 4 further depicts end panel 404 that may be connected to the front and/or back end of sled portion 403 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, end panel 404 may be connected to and work in conjunction with top panel 413 of sled portion 403 to provide covering or to extend the decking of bathtub 40, such as for aesthetic purposes and/or to finish out the exterior structure of bathtub 40 (i.e., to accommodate any gaps between bathtub 40 and a wall in the bathroom). It should be appreciated that end panel 404 may be removable so that repairs may be made within bathtub 40.

Walk-in bathtubs according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be formed for positioning in either a left-hand drain orientation or a right-hand drain orientation without altering the structure of the bathtub. This is an improvement over prior walk-in bathtubs that required a user to specify whether the bathtub should include a left-hand drain or right-hand drain at the time of ordering the bathtub. Bathtub 40 of FIG. 4 comprises drain 409 in floor area 408 of sled portion 403. Bathtub 40 may be referred to as a “right-hand drain bathtub” since drain 409 is on the right side of bathtub 40 from the viewpoint of a user facing the entry/exit point of bathtub 40. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the door used for entry to and exit from bathtub 40 may be positioned to align with floor area 408 and drain 409 of sled portion 403, regardless whether an in-swing door, out-swing door, or two-in-one door is being used.

FIG. 5 depicts walk-in bathtub 50 including left-hand drain 509 and in-swing door 501 shown in a closed position relative to door panel 502 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Bathtub 50 may be referred to as a “left-hand drain bathtub” since drain 509 is on the left side of bathtub 50 from the viewpoint of a user facing the entry/exit point of bathtub 50. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, in-swing door 501 being used for entry and exit may be positioned to align with floor area 508 and drain 509 of sled portion 503. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the door used for entry to and exit from bathtub 50 may be positioned to align with floor area 508 and drain 509 of sled portion 503, regardless whether an in-swing door, out-swing door, or two-in-one door is being used.

FIG. 6 depicts a view of walk-in bathtub 60 including right-hand drain 609 and out-swing door 602 in an open position at an angle relative to door panel 601 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, out-swing door 602 being used for entry and exit may be positioned to align with floor area 608 and drain 609 of sled portion 603. Door panel 601 is shown detached from sled portion 603 to enable movement of sled portion 603 and door panel 601 as separate components, such as during installation.

FIG. 7 depicts another view of walk-in bathtub 60 wherein out-swing door 602 is shown in a closed position relative to door panel 601 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, door panel 602 has been connected to sled portion 603, such as through sealing or another fastening mechanism.

FIG. 8 a depicts walk-in bathtub 80 comprising door panel 802 with a two-in-one door 801 a, 801 b shown in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Door panel 802 may be connected to sled portion 803 on the side of sled portion 803 where the user may enter and exit bathtub 80. Door panel 802 may include both out-swing door 801 a and in-swing door 801 b. In an embodiment, in-swing door 801 b may be formed as a part of out-swing door 801 a, and hinges or another type of pivotal support may attach out-swing door 801 a to door panel 802. However, it should be appreciated that fasteners other than hinges may be used to attach out-swing door 801 a to panel 802 without departing from the present disclosure. Similarly, a seal or other fastening mechanism may be used to connect two-in-one door 801 a, 801 b with sled portion 803. Such a seal or fastening mechanism may be provided on the door and/or the door panel. Further, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a latch may be used to hold two-in-one door 801 a, 801 b in a closed watertight or water-sealing position.

FIG. 8 b depicts walk-in bathtub 80 of FIG. 8 a wherein out-swing door 801 a is in an open position at an angle relative to door panel 802 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the user prefers or needs to have a door that swings outward, he/she may lock in-swing door 801 b into position as part of out-swing door 801 a. Out-swing door 801 a may then be unlocked for use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 c depicts walk-in bathtub 80 of FIG. 8 a wherein in-swing door 801 b is shown in an open position at an angle relative to door panel 802 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the user elects or needs to have a door that swings inward, he/she may lock out-swing door 801 a into position forming part of door panel 802. In-swing door 801 b may then be unlocked for use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, shower doors and/or a shower curtain may be added to transform the bathtub into a shower. FIG. 9 depicts walk-in bathtub 90 including shower doors 901 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shower doors 901 may be positioned perpendicularly relative to sled portion 903 on the side of sled portion 903 where a user may enter or exit through open area 902 between leg support 912 and vertical panel 914. Shower doors 901 may include at least one handle 901 a such that a user may utilize handle 901 a to open shower doors 901 so that he/she may enter bathtub 90. Once the user has entered walk-in bathtub 90, he/she may close shower doors 901 by pulling on the doors themselves and/or by using at least one handle 901 a on an interior wall of shower doors 901. Once shower doors 901 have been pulled into a closed position and perpendicularly aligned with sled portion 903, water may then be run into the shower as shower doors 901 may form a seal with the lower edge of sled portion 903.

FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of walk-in bathtub 90 including shower doors 901 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Walk-in bathtub 90 may include door 905 positioned between leg support 912 and vertical panel 914. When shower doors 901 are in an open position, door 905 may swing outward if an out-swing door is in use. It also should be appreciated that door 905 may be an in-swing door or two-in-one door that may be utilized when shower doors 901 are either in an open or closed position. Leg support 912 and/or vertical panel 914 may include jets positioned no higher than the top edge of door 905. Accordingly, when door 905 is in a closed position—regardless whether door 905 is an out-swing, in-swing door, or two-in-one door—the jets may be turned on toward the user's lower leg or feet to provide a massage when water is turned on and walk-in bathtub 90 is filled for use.

It should be appreciated that walk-in bathtub systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for interchangeable and/or two-in-one door panels such that a user may move a walk-in bathtub system from one location to another and reinstall even if the bathroom is in a different configuration. Further, the configurability of walk-in bathtub systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure may allow a user to selectively use either an in-swing door or an out-swing door as the user's preferences and/or needs change. In addition, the configurability of walk-in bathtub systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for more flexibility on-site at the time of installation as the installer may adapt the walk-in bathtub to the space (i.e., left-hand or right-hand drain, in-swing or out-swing door, inclusion or exclusion of end panels on the sled portion).

When a walk-in bathtub system according to embodiments of the present disclosure is installed, a seal may be provided to connect a door panel and/or a door to the sled portion. For example, a flange system may be used for sealing by placing a gasket between two flanges. However, other sealing mechanisms may be employed without departing from the present disclosure. Once sealed, the door panel and sled portion may be fastened together with one or more bolts or other fastening mechanisms. However, it should be appreciated that other fastening mechanisms may be employed without departing from the present disclosure. Further, other cosmetic sealing materials may be used along with or in place of these fastening mechanisms. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configurable components of the bathtubs may be sealed through various sealing mechanisms to ensure a tight fit between the various components of the bathtub and minimize the likelihood of leakage when the bathtub is filled with water.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bathtub may be formed using a 100% recyclable composite material. This may be helpful in that if the user no longer has a need for the bathtub, it may be reground and used in forming other products (even other bathtubs) merely by removing the hardware on the bathtub. However, it should be appreciated that bathtubs according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be formed using other materials, including but not limited to acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain and/or any other durable rigid material, without departing from the present disclosure.

Plumbing fixtures may be incorporated into walk-in bathtub systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that in some plumbing arrangements the fixtures may not be part of the bathtub itself but may be located above the bathtub for discharging water downwardly and into the bathtub.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

1. A modular walk-in bathtub system having at least one panel with a door through which a user may enter or exit. 